'Inspiring individual'

While working with The Great Football Giveaway project, Mr Clarke has navigated landmines in Angola, seen the rehabilitation of child soldiers in Rwanda and smuggled balls across the border into war-torn Congo.

His nomination testimonial from Steph, one of the charity's volunteers, said: "Paul is an inspiring individual to his local community, determined to help put smiles on kids' faces by ensuring no child is denied the simple pleasure of kicking a ball about.